PSA Test
- Thread starter Darts
- Start date
I remember my doctor telling me about a whole bunch of stuff I had to do and I have the paperwork somewhere. Is it free for men over a certain age?
It's not covered by ohip but might be by private insurance. Used to be $20, but the last one I had was 25.
I just had it done and yes $25. But if the doctor shoves his finger up your butt to check it it’s covered by ohip. The personal touch.
It's a screening tool for prostate cancer. It's a simple blood test. It costs about $30-40 in Ontario. It used to be free if over a certaon age and/or recommended by a doctor. Because I have a family history of prostate cancer, I've been getting tested every year since turning 40. My family doctor gives me a requisition just like other blood tests.
Test results are easy to interpret. If your PSA level is above the benchmark, more follow up will be recommended to determine if you have cancer. This usually involves a biopsy and other diagnostics. If your PSA level is below the benchmark it is assumed that you are in the clear. The test isn't 100% effective but an easy way to do a high level screening.
Test results are easy to interpret. If your PSA level is above the benchmark, more follow up will be recommended to determine if you have cancer. This usually involves a biopsy and other diagnostics. If your PSA level is below the benchmark it is assumed that you are in the clear. The test isn't 100% effective but an easy way to do a high level screening.
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What is the benchmark? Is the lower the test result the better (i.e. low is good)?
Yes, the lower the better, if your reading is around 10 or higher you may have BPH which means an enlarged prostate, not necessarily cancer, however, these tests are generally not very accurate. Also, many things can cause the test to be inconsistent. For instance, if you ejaculate the night before you have a PSA test, your reading will be much higher and some decongestants can also affect the prostate. I have had an enlarged prostate, (BPH) for over 20 years and get a test every year and take the medication Flomax every day but it can have side effects such as not ejaculating semen but instead the sperm remains in your bladder. Not fun.
If the urologist thinks you are at risk he will write you a free psa lab test slip
Regardless of cost guys, please do this test. Especially if you are older. It is as important as mammograms for us women.
Early detection is your best chance at fighting any cancer.
Early detection is your best chance at fighting any cancer.
The doctor said all good so I asked for a copy of the test results. This is what I see:
Total PSA
0.56
<4.0
ug/L
I assume any result under 4.0 is good?
BTW: Hockey star John Ferguson Sr. passed from prostate cancer at age 68.
John Ferguson Sr. dies of cancer | CBC Sports
Others have already provided helpful answers. If still not clear, rest assured if your score is above the benchmark your doctor will recommend a follow up. Many lab results indicate where your score falls relative to the benchmark. Different labs can use different methodolgies that can change benchmarks but a benchmark of 4.0 is the most commonly used benchmark. Follow up will be recommended if your score is above 4 but as mentioned by eddie, a high score does not always mean you have prostate cancer. I trust that you are not doing this on your own. Have a medical doctor guide you.
Correct! You posted this as I was responding. This was quicker than my long response lol.
Thanks. All helpful replies are appreciated.
Doctors are so busy nowadays, they don't have the time for Q and A's. All he said was "all good". That is why I asked for a copy of the test result.
Question: Is it true that the more sex one has, the healthier the prostate? Just kidding!
It’s not the absolute number that’s important but the rate of increase, which is why yearly tests are essential. Once the doubling begins it’s time to see a urologist to determine next steps.
This is a really important way of monitoring your health and caught early prostate cancer can be dealt with.
This is a really important way of monitoring your health and caught early prostate cancer can be dealt with.
